Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 9th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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A predominantly weak and facetted lower snowpack remains the primary avalanche concern.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural, rider and explosively triggered avalanches have been reported since the end of last week, predominantly small in size (1 and 1.5) and storm or wind slab avalanches.

Of note was a large (size 2.5) avalanche that scrubbed down to basal facets, which occurred over the weekend in very steep alpine terrain, on a northerly aspect.

If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 30 cm of new snow over the last week sits atop a shallow and generally weak snowpack.

Several problematic weak layers exist deep within the snowpack. Of greatest concern are weak facets and/or depth hoar located at the bottom of the snowpack, especially in alpine terrain.

Snowpack depths at treeline range from 60 to 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.

Wednesday

Partly cloudy with trace snow amounts, west alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -12 °C.

Thursday

Partly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow, variable alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature dropping from -15 °C to -25 °C.

Friday

Sunny with no precipitation, north alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -32 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

The lower snowpack is characterized by layers of preserved surface hoar and basal facets and/or depth hoar in most alpine areas. Consequences could be severe if triggered.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Thin wind slabs may exist in exposed alpine terrain features like ridges and steep roll overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 10th, 2024 4:00PM

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